Student Artwork Guide

Name Class Date

Charles Walter Simpson, Marshland, Laing Art Gallery. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist: Charles Walter Simpson topimpressionists.com/en/artists/charles-walter-simpson/
Artist’s dates: 1885 – 1971
Original size: 51 x 74 cm
Held at: Laing Art Gallery topimpressionists.com/en/museums/laing-art-gallery-newcastle-upon-tyne/

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Charles Walter Simpson died in 1971; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2041. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Marshland — Charles Walter Simpson

How big is it?

The original measures 51 × 74 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When might this have been painted?

main years

1880
1890
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970

04
514
1524
2534
3544
4554
5564
6574
7584
8586

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 86 at death.

Shaded: the lifetime of Charles Walter Simpson (1885–1971) every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1920 Main working years: 1920–1944 Late works: from 1944

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?

Compare with

Penzance from Newlyn, 1914 topimpressionists.com/en/art/charles-walter-simpson-penzance-from-newlyn-AQV9LP-en/
Mallard Drake topimpressionists.com/en/art/charles-walter-simpson-mallard-drake-AQV9MH-en/
Otter Hunting topimpressionists.com/en/art/charles-walter-simpson-otter-hunting-AQV9M9-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/charles-walter-simpson-marshland-AQV9MT-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Putty #f2c19e

Catalogued palette

#F2C19E
#784831
#9F6341
#C3835B

These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

Palette: Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
Main colour name: Putty
Intensity: Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
Contrast: Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
Harmony: Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
Brightness: Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
Saturation: Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

Where in the world is this painting looked at?

under 1%
1–3%
3–8%
8–20%
20% and over

This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Charles Walter Simpson over the last twelve months — 3 countries in all. Where these figures come from

The ten leading countries

1 China 44.4%400 visits
2 Australia 33.3%300 visits
3 Netherlands 22.2%200 visits

Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

The 6 most looked-at works by Charles Walter Simpson

1 Sunny Bank, Ducks Feeding 33.3%300 visits
2 Wheeling Gulls, Glittering Water, 1944 22.2%200 visits
3 Duck Shooting The Punt Gunner, 1924 22.2%200 visits
4 Herring Gulls 11.1%100 visits
5 Dartmoor Ponies 11.1%100 visits
— Marshland this painting 0.0%0 visits

Together these works take 99.9% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 26 works by this artist, of which 5 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

Artist

Charles Walter Simpson

Born in Camberley, United Kingdom

early life and career

charles walter simpson, a celebrated english painter, was born on may 8, 1885, in camberley, surrey, england. his artistic journey began with a focus on animal and bird painting, which would later become his signature style.

artistic journey in cornwall

simpson's connection with lamorna, cornwall, dates back to the early 1910s, where he initially resided. he returned to this picturesque location in the 1930s, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled animal and bird painter. this period marked a significant chapter in his career, with his work being showcased at the royal academy in 1948.

notable achievements and exhibitions

simpson's artwork was featured in art competitions at four olympic games.

a comprehensive exhibition of his work was held at the penlee house gallery and museum in 2005, showcasing his enduring legacy.

view 27 artworks by or after charles walter simpson at the art uk site.

personal life and legacy

simpson was married to fellow artist ruth simpson from 1913 until her passing in 1964. his work continues to be celebrated, with a profile at charles walter simpson's artworks on AllPaintingsStore.com, and a brief biography available at wikipedia: charles walter simpson (english artist). key dates:

born: may 8, 1885

died: october 3, 1971

discover more about charles walter simpson's life and work on AllPaintingsStore.com.

Museum

Laing Art Gallery

On show in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Laing Art Gallery: A Beacon of British Artistic Heritage in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Nestled on New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, the Laing Art Gallery stands as a testament to Victorian philanthropy and a remarkable repository of British art spanning centuries. Established in 1904 by Alexander Laing—a local wine merchant whose generosity ensured its enduring legacy—the gallery welcomes visitors free of charge (excluding special exhibitions), fostering accessibility and enriching Newcastle’s cultural landscape.

Location:

Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland and West Lothian

Address:

Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG

Website:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laing_Art_Gallery

The gallery’s mission is to champion British art from the 18th and 19th centuries, alongside showcasing contemporary works and celebrating local artistic talent. Its curators meticulously curate exhibitions that illuminate diverse artistic movements and perspectives, offering visitors a stimulating journey through visual culture.

A Collection That Captures Emotion and Vision

Paintings:

The Laing’s collection is anchored by masterpieces from luminaries like J.M.W. Turner—whose dramatic landscapes convey sublime beauty—Edward Burne-Jones—renowned for his opulent Symbolist fantasies—and John Martin—a pioneer of Romantic horror whose monumental canvases evoke visceral emotion. Notably, “The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah” by Martin remains a haunting depiction of biblical catastrophe, while Burne-Jones’ “Laus Veneris” embodies ethereal grace and mythological grandeur.

Watercolours & Drawings:

Complementing the paintings are exquisite watercolours and drawings by Turner and John Sell Cotman—artists who skillfully captured atmospheric conditions and rendered intricate detail. These works exemplify the artistic techniques prevalent during their time, revealing a profound understanding of light and colour.

Decorative Arts:

Beyond visual art, the gallery’s holdings encompass decorative historical objects that reflect Newcastle's rich craft traditions. Admire Newcastle silver—a symbol of civic pride—the delicately enamelled glasses crafted by William Beilby—demonstrating Victorian craftsmanship—and ceramics produced by Maling pottery—celebrated for their vibrant glaze colours and artistic designs.

Architectural Elegance: Baroque Roots, Art Nouveau Flair

Designed in the Baroque style with subtle Art Nouveau influences by architects Cackett & Burns Dick, the Laing Art Gallery is a Grade II listed building—a tangible reminder of Newcastle’s Victorian grandeur. Its soaring ceilings and ornate detailing evoke the opulent aesthetic of European palaces, while delicate floral motifs subtly intertwine with classical proportions.

More Than Just Art: Engagement and Inspiration

What distinguishes Laing Art Gallery is its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic appreciation and community engagement. Regularly rotating exhibitions present groundbreaking artworks alongside established classics—inspiring dialogue and broadening perspectives. Furthermore, the gallery hosts free events—including insightful gallery talks, engaging family activities—and stimulating artist-led workshops—creating a vibrant space for learning and creativity.

Exploring Further

Notable Exhibitions:

Recent exhibitions have explored themes of British identity, artistic innovation, and the role of art in shaping cultural narratives.

Community Partnerships:

Collaborations with local schools and organizations enrich educational programs and promote artistic outreach within Newcastle upon Tyne.

A visit to Laing Art Gallery is an immersive experience—a chance to connect with British artistic heritage, discover inspiring artworks, and celebrate the enduring power of creativity.

Where to read more

The artist Charles Walter Simpson topimpressionists.com/en/artists/charles-walter-simpson/
The museum Laing Art Gallery topimpressionists.com/en/museums/laing-art-gallery-newcastle-upon-tyne/
Similar works More works to compare topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/charles-walter-simpson-marshland-AQV9MT-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for Marshland

topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/charles-walter-simpson-marshland-AQV9MT-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: Simpson, Charles Walter. Marshland. n.d., Laing Art Gallery. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/charles-walter-simpson-marshland-AQV9MT-en/
APA: Simpson, Charles Walter (n.d.). Marshland [Painting]. Laing Art Gallery. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/charles-walter-simpson-marshland-AQV9MT-en/
Chicago: Charles Walter Simpson. Marshland. n.d. Laing Art Gallery. https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/charles-walter-simpson-marshland-AQV9MT-en/
Harvard: Simpson, Charles Walter (n.d.) Marshland. Laing Art Gallery. Available at: https://topimpressionists.com/en/art/charles-walter-simpson-marshland-AQV9MT-en/

Marshland — Charles Walter Simpson

Look closely

Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

What catches your eye first, and why?
Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
Look back at Penzance from Newlyn (1914), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
What might the artist have wanted you to feel?
If you could ask the artist one question about this work, what would it be?

Your response

Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

Questions & Answers

How strong is the contrast in "Marshland" by Charles Walter Simpson?

"Marshland" by Charles Walter Simpson shows a gentle contrast between its light and dark areas.

Is "Marshland" by Charles Walter Simpson kept in the artist's home country?

Yes - the artwork is kept in the artist's home country. Charles Walter Simpson was born in United Kingdom, and the original "Marshland" is held in a museum in United Kingdom.

How can I get a digital file of "Marshland" by Charles Walter Simpson?

"Marshland" is available as a high-resolution digital image download, purchased directly on its Digital Image page.